“ They can not bar God's angels from receiving Thy radiant spirit with divinest welcomes; They can not cover from celestial eyes The sacrifice that bears thee close to Christ! Did I not see thee, on that day in spring, Leading one sable thousand through our streets; Braving the scorn and (what was worse) the pity Of many backward hearts, yet cheered with bravos From those who scanned the great significance Of thy devoted daring---saw the crown Behind the cross, behind the shame the glory; Behind the imminent death the life immortal? Weep not, heroic parents! be consoled! ”
